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Do you use any other online spaces alongside Gransnet?

(18 Posts)
EthanCarter Wed 10-Dec-25 08:31:51

Hello all, I've grown quite fond of Gransnet – it's great connecting with others in the same life phase who get the grandparenting experience. My daughter often mentions that there are "plenty of online spots for folks your age these days," but I'm always a bit lost on how to begin.

Are you part of any other digital communities in addition to Gransnet, like different forums, Facebook groups, WhatsApp groups, or similar? I'm particularly keen on ones that seem welcoming and reasonable, where folks engage in real conversations instead of constant debates.

I'd be delighted to hear about your favorite online hangouts nowadays and what you appreciate about them.

Doodledog Wed 10-Dec-25 08:45:12

What do you mean by ‘real conversations’ if you don’t want debates?

Georgesgran Wed 10-Dec-25 08:55:59

Online hangouts - that’s a new one for me, but then again, other than GN, I’m a tech dinosaur!

TheWeirdoAgain60 Wed 10-Dec-25 09:04:38

Good morning, EthanCarter!

I love Gransnet, I'm on very regularly, and in the Good Morning sections, I'm always commenting on other people's posts, but I seldom create my own posts!

I'm on Mumsnet too, I'm 60, and although I don't like kids and chose never to have any when I was 6, I do like these two sites as it's not all about kids/grandkids, there are different subjects!

I'm also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, Bluesky and Tumblr.

Have a great day, whatever you're doing!

Aveline Wed 10-Dec-25 09:12:53

I'm on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. All the usual places.

Samsara1 Wed 10-Dec-25 10:08:03

I would try 'Threads' I'm really enjoying that - very gentle and lots of helpful advice and support.

petra Wed 10-Dec-25 10:13:53

To all those who are/ thinking of replying to this OP, be aware it’s a BOT.( AI generated)

M0nica Wed 10-Dec-25 10:40:15

petra

To all those who are/ thinking of replying to this OP, be aware it’s a BOT.( AI generated)

That is interesting. How can you tell that or how do you check?

EthanCarter Thu 11-Dec-25 01:05:39

I’m not a bot, I promise. shock
It’s a real question from me. I just run my words through Chatgpt to tidy them up, but the thoughts and worries are my own.

mum2three Thu 11-Dec-25 06:09:24

It is difficult to find a site where you can have pleasant exchanges with people. Some are too heavily censored and want only light, trivial chat not serious stuff. This was the problem with buzz50, and I'm sure it's why it had to close.

EthanCarter Thu 11-Dec-25 08:44:34

Doodledog

What do you mean by ‘real conversations’ if you don’t want debates?

Maybe I phrased that clumsily.😄
By “real conversations” I mean people sharing experiences, asking questions and even disagreeing, but without it turning into personal attacks.

EthanCarter Thu 11-Dec-25 08:50:24

TheWeirdoAgain60

Good morning, EthanCarter!

I love Gransnet, I'm on very regularly, and in the Good Morning sections, I'm always commenting on other people's posts, but I seldom create my own posts!

I'm on Mumsnet too, I'm 60, and although I don't like kids and chose never to have any when I was 6, I do like these two sites as it's not all about kids/grandkids, there are different subjects!

I'm also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, Bluesky and Tumblr.

Have a great day, whatever you're doing!

I'm on Facebook, too. I do look at TikTok sometimes, but if I’m not careful half the day vanishes!

petra Thu 11-Dec-25 09:13:58

M0nica

petra

To all those who are/ thinking of replying to this OP, be aware it’s a BOT.( AI generated)

That is interesting. How can you tell that or how do you check?

I see that the OP has answered your question.
He/she (Ethan doesn’t say which) ran their thoughts / ideas through a Chat BOT app.
That’s why the OP had perfect grammar and paragraphs.
I’m fully aware that we do have many members who do use perfect grammar/ paragraphs.

If it’s a “new” member posting in this manner I’m suspicious.
The sentance that jumped out was: its great connecting with others in the same life phase who get the same grandparenting experience

Doodledog Sun 14-Dec-25 08:17:26

Many people will use facilities such as Grammarly to check wording - they risk being pounced on if their posts aren’t ‘correctly’ worded, as had happened in this case.

My point is that where humans gather there will be those who are more ‘direct’ than others, and it is unusual for groups to have debates that always remain calm and scrupulously polite.

Also, opinions vary as to what constitutes a personal attack.

Wyllow3 Sun 14-Dec-25 08:31:09

I'm on Facebook because it enables me to keep up with maybe 16/20 people I am fond of, including a couple of rellies, but its very benign and I don't get involved in anything more.

I'd avoid a neighbourhood Facebook like the plague. I know there are some 'nice ones", but it seems to me to be a recipe for the worse kind of gossip, and people living nearby too.

I prefer the couple of tiny WhatsApp groups which organise our activities.

Samsara1 Sun 14-Dec-25 10:08:52

I have also just downloaded Substack as several of the writing groups post there.

M0nica Sun 14-Dec-25 19:02:16

I am on Facebook and have joined several special interest groups on such arcane subjects as the Listed Building Forum and Old House Renovation, where we nerd restorers swap hints and tips and offer and ask for advice.

I am also on the local referrals and recommendations site, where I have found many of the excellent tradesmen who have worked for me over the last 4 months

Tenko Sun 14-Dec-25 19:38:57

I’m on mumsnet and Facebook. I use sever al holiday related fb groups . They’re very useful when researching a holiday . I’m on fb groups linked to work and other interests . I use instagram too .